Our Patron Saint
OUR PATRON SAINT
ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER
Together with the blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, Joseph is venerated being one of the three members of the Holy Family. According to Catholic tradition, he died in the "arms of Jesus and Mary” and is considered the model of the pious believer who receives grace at the moment of death. He prays especially for families, fathers, expectant mothers (pregnant women), travelers, immigrants, house sellers and buyers, craftsmen, engineers, and working people in general. St. Joseph is also adopted as patron saint of unborn children against doubt and hesitation, of a happy death, among others. He is patron saint of several countries including Vietnam and the Philippines.
In 1955 Pope Pius XII established the Feast of "St Joseph the Worker" to be celebrated on 1st May, reflecting Joseph's status as the "patron of worker” and “model of workers." Catholic teachings and stories about or relating to Joseph and the Holy Family frequently stress his patience, persistence, and hard work as admirable qualities which, believers should adopt.
Our parish community celebrate the feast day of our Patron "St Joseph the worker" on the 1st May every year.
Pope Pius IX proclaimed St. Joseph the patron of the Universal Church in 1870. 19th March is traditionally the principle feast day of St Joseph.
PRAYERS
O Glorious St. Joseph,
faithful follower of Jesus Christ,
to you do I raise my heart and hands,
to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining
from the kind heart of Jesus
all the help and graces necessary for
my spiritual and temporal welfare
particularly the grace of a happy death
and the special favour I now implore…
(mention your intention)
O Glorious St. Joseph,
through the love that you did bear for Jesus Christ
and for the glory of His Holy Name
deign to hear my prayer and obtain for me my petition.
O Jesus, Mary and Joseph come to my assistance.
Amen
Prayer to St. Joseph the Worker
Composed by Pope St. Pius X
O Glorious St. Joseph,
model of all those who are devoted to labour,
obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously,
putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations,
to work with gratitude and joy,
in a spirit of penance for the remission of my sin,